PETALING JAYA: Victims of the Kampung Baru Karak fire last year can look forward to new homes by October next year, says former transport minister Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai.

"Victims can expect to move in by this time next year. We are happy to help and to see this (project) coming through in such a short time," said Liow, who heads the Special Task Force for the Welfare of Karak Fire Victims.

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He said efforts to rebuild the 53 homes had taken a lot of public effort and the proposal had been approved by state and federal agencies.

Liow, a former MCA president who was also Bentong MP from 1999 to 2018, thanked the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for visiting victims of the fire and lending support to the rebuilding plans.

"No words can express our gratitude (for the kindness) His Majesty has shown us, as well as the encouragement and support to make this possible," Liow said at a groundbreaking ceremony in Kampung Baru Karak on Thursday (Oct 13) afternoon.

Also present during the groundbreaking ceremony was special task force adviser Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy, who said the cooperation of all concerned, as well as effective leadership, led to technical issues on the rebuilding plans to be sorted out in such a short time.

"I have been an elected representative for five terms. I have never seen something like this where a plan to rebuild homes after a serious fire can be completed in such a short time of one year," Chan said in his speech.

"This plan could not have been realised without the cooperation of the state government and effective leadership by Liow," he added.

Chan said he was proud of Liow for being able to care for the locals in Bentong although he had retired from politics.

"It is not often that we get a former MP who still cares for the people in the area," he said.

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Chan also said he was proud that the special task force had received support and cooperation from the Federal and Pahang governments, related agencies and departments in the Bentong district.

Meanwhile, Liow stressed the importance of development, as he regarded Kampung Baru Karak as the transportation hub of the west side of Bentong.

"This hub will bring development to the western part of Pahang. I'm eager to see the Bentong people unite and take their fate into their own hands.

"It is time for us to make a greater Bentong and let's work together for the future," he said.

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Liow also said his presence was not about campaigning for the 15th General Election, but because he felt a bond with the people here, having lived in the parliamentary constituency for over 30 years.

"Bentong is part of me and I have close relations with the locals," he said.

Commenting on speculation that he will return to contest in Bentong, Liow said it was up to the party leadership to decide.

"It is not for anyone to lobby. Most importantly, we must ensure people in Bentong unite," said Liow.

"Don't elect a leader who runs away, never serves the people, talks big and (makes) empty promises. We don't need this kind of leader.

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"We have seen in the past five years, there is no development.

"I'm sad that we ended up with a person who doesn't care about the development in Bentong and did not have any plans," said Liow, in an apparent reference to Wong Tack, who won the seat in 2018.

Liow also said he still has vivid memories of the devastation wrought by the fire.

On the night of Oct 1 last year, 53 houses and eight shops went up in smoke.

Locals said at the time it was the largest and most devastating fire the small town had ever seen, with over 100 people left homeless.